The Journey to Game Time

Having children changes your life in every way.

I feel like once your kids play sports, if they opt to play sports, your life changes again. There are so many positive payoffs from having children in sports, but the daily challenges are very real as a parent.

Can I be completely honest in a—no-judgment zone?

Let’s be frank, ladies. Some days it isn’t pretty.

We’re getting off the school bus, hustling to get everyone changed, games at different times in different places, and—what about dinner? I have perfected the “picnic dinner in the car,” also known as warmed-up chicken nuggets with a few carrot and apple slices. My kids think it’s fun, so that’s a plus, but some days I feel like we can’t even get the basic needs met before game time. My kids are still young and, from what I hear, the older they get, at least until driving age, the challenges will only get more challenging.

Have you ever had a car full of kids in meltdown mode and it feels like everyone is upset when you pull up to the playing field? Your stress level is through the roof. You think to yourself, why are we doing this? Yep; me too.

My kids love to play soccer, basketball, softball, you name it; we do it all. As parents we are all just doing our best. My kids know that sometimes we will be late, and some days Mom and Dad just can’t make it to every game, but we are always trying our best.  

It is crazy some days how quickly the meltdowns instantly switch to joy once your child sees their friends on the team or they start playing on the field. You see their smile and they are beaming; then it all comes full circle why we do this crazy juggle. ■

Written by: Erin Little

Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.